Environmental degradation
What Environmental degradation means in Geography GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Environmental degradation
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Reference: AQA
Unregulated industrial expansion often leads to severe air and water pollution, alongside deforestation for infrastructure, and rapid development usually causes severe environmental degradation before regulations catch up.
Ecological damage such as floodwaters contaminated with sewage and chemicals destroying habitats, with pumping operations disrupting local ecosystems and river banks.
The harm done to the natural environment, such as air and water pollution, habitat destruction and greenhouse gas emissions, as a country industrialises.
Rapid urbanisation creates severe environmental challenges, including waste disposal problems, air and water pollution, and traffic congestion.
Environmental challenges of rapid expansion including traffic congestion, severe air and water pollution, and waste disposal issues.
Topics that use Environmental degradation
- Section A: Urban issues and challenges (AQA GCSE)
- Section B: The changing economic world (AQA GCSE)
- Weather hazards (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Environmental impact
- Environmental sustainability
- Geographical location
- Global distribution
- Quality of life
- Social inequality
- Atmospheric circulation
- Bilateral aid
Using Environmental degradation in the exam
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